Windows Mobile 6.5 heads to new phones

With a wide selection of smartphones now available utilising operating systems from the likes of Google and Apple, the latest from Microsoft may have its work cut out in terms of tempting back users.

However, the upcoming Windows Mobile 6.5 will look to improve upon the advances of the Android and iPhone packages when it is made available on a number of devices later this year.

One such handset that could also be available later in the year - and was showcased at the recent GSM Association’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona - is the Toshiba TG01, which aims to make the most of the Microsoft system, which could allow the manufacturer to take on the industry heavyweights.

It has been argued that in the past mobile phones powered by Windows Mobile technology have had a tendency to be on the larger side, but this has been addressed with devices like the Dopod 858 Cell Phones and HTC Touch HD. However, the TG01 claims to be one of the most powerful handsets that has ever been available - and as such there could be a great deal to look forward to.

The TG01 boasts a 1GHz processor, as well as a 3D user interface and 4.1-inch screen, yet it seems that alongside the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.5, which was unveiled at the very same conference, some analysts have said this could put Toshiba’s new phone up their with the iPhone in terms of usability.

Last month HP, the company formerly known as Hewlett Packard, confirmed that it planned to support Microsoft’s new Windows Mobile operating system in a number of its future endeavours, stating that the reason for this was the vast amount of scope the 6.5 version had for wireless technologies, business productivity and personal messaging.

Susan Macke, vice-president of marketing for HP’s Handheld Global Business Unit, said that the company had been “working closely” with Microsoft in the past and this would continue with the launch of Windows Mobile 6.5. “HP continues to work toward developing smartphones that simplify the mobile experience and meet evolving customer needs,” she added.

Her comments were echoed by corporate vice-president of mobile communications business at Microsoft Todd Peters who said: “We’re excited HP will offer phones with Windows Mobile 6.5, which will help people access and personalise services and applications that can make a phone truly individual.”

On announcing the new system at the Mobile World Congress, the software company’s chief executive Steve Ballmer took the time to outline some of the key features people could expect from the new version of Windows Mobile and noted that with partnerships from HTC, LG and Orange, some new and interesting phones would soon be available that would benefit from attempts to make it more user-friendly, as well as ready for the next generation of mobile software and services.

“Windows phones bring together the best of the web, the PC and the phone so you can connect instantly to the experiences you care about, no matter where you are,” he said. “We’re working with partners across the industry to deliver a new generation of Windows phones that break down the barriers between people, information and applications and provide great end-to-end experiences that span your entire life, at work and at home.”

Some of these features include My Phone, which allows users to sync text messages, photos, videos and contacts, and Windows Marketplace for Mobile - which is looking like it could be the company’s own attempt at an Apple App Store. In other words, the resource would provide direct access to a number of direct-to-phone applications that would be for exclusive use with the 6.5 system.

With My Phone, a free application that will come with new Windows-enabled devices, users can back up contacts and other data to a password-protected internet resource, which means losing the phone is less of a problem and upgrading is kept as simple as possible when it comes to transferring information across to a new handset.

The Windows Marketplace service plans to offer a way for consumers to search, browse and shop for the widgets they need and will be accessible via a Live ID account. “The new marketplace will be included with all Windows phones based on Windows Mobile 6.5, which will help consumers to easily find, install and experience those applications that fit their needs and make the phone truly personal,” Microsoft explains. It is estimated that there are already more than 20,000 applications ready for use with the system and will be online when the service goes live.

Users will also have a dashboard-style page where their most important information will be available. From here, new emails, messages and calls can be accessed as well as calendar appointments and a revised version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Mobile browser.

Microsoft’s partners have also been quick to unveil their intentions to embrace the new operating system, with networks such as Orange and manufacturers including LG and HTC stating their intentions. Orange has said that the introduction of Windows Mobile 6.5 will allow it to offer enhanced web browsing and a more personalised surfing experience. LG has said its upcoming GM7300 will also benefit from new features - like one-click email set up - that will fully utilise the platform. HTC has also noted that the Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2 will be fully upgradeable to the software and will include the company’s Straight Talk technology, which combines a host of integrated e-mail, voice and speakerphone facilities.

Alfredo Patron, Microsoft’s Director of EMEA Mobility Marketing, concludes Windows Mobile 6.5 will “merge two worlds, bringing business space and consumer space in one”.